[longboat]

If you determine it is the Ridgeline at fault, here are some thoughts, getting progressively more expensive....

1) drive without wallet in pants
2) go to WallyWorld, near kitchen section, and get one of those seat cushions to sit on
3) ask your chiropractor for a recommendation for a better cushion to sit on (gel?)
4) get 17" wheels with taller tire sidewall for cushier ride...avoid stiff performance or off-road tires
5) install different seats
6) install softer Springs (custom) and lose some payload/towing capacity
7) trade in the Ridgeline for a large luxury car known more for ride than handling*

*isn't it interesting how we are always limited in our choices? Back in the 70s and 80s, most large cars road like a boat, very isolated from the road....mostly only the small foreign cars had a stiff sporty ride, or something like a TransAm that felt like it might break something when you crossed railroad tracks too fast. Now, all cars are tuned to have a sporty ride and you can't find that isolated floaty ride anymore. My guess is that it would be too dangerous (handling) at today's highway speeds for some drivers.

 

[longboat]

Yoga does wonders for the body, as does core strength/balance training, but most men are way too embarrassed to try it.

 

[longboat]

Regarding the dead pedal being too close:

I know the live pedals aren't movable (ala F150), but what if you stuck some hard foam blocks to the pedals, then moved your seat back two inches. You could glue a wedge to the dead pedal to give it a more relaxed angle. If it feels good, glue it permanently. Main caveat would be reached to the steering wheel.

 

[longboat]

...

I had always thought that the Audi leather and seats were too stiff and quite hard for the quality of the vehicle. But I ended up realizing it was the least fatiguing and best long trip seat I ever had...

...

* Realize that soft is not always better, something that is gratifying when you first sit in it, can be horrible after a long period, of course.
...
.

I used to have a GoldWing, and I upgraded the seat on that thing for my 1000+ mile trips. When researching seating options, I discovered exactly what you are saying.

All of the "iron butt" riders commented that the hard seats were much better in the long run. Some seats felt just awesome when you first sat on/in then, but wore you out after 100-200 miles. The seats that felt like they were made of wood at first, actually were quite comfortable for long didtances.

Same thing for the foot cushions that are used by industrial workers, chefs and offshore boat pilots. Their jobs involve standing for long periods of time, and through trial and error they learn that soft cushions are bad, very firm cushions are good.

Audi/VW seem to be known for great interiors, especially dash cluster and seating. To bad we can't get an Audi interior inside a Honda....

 

[longboat]

I was going to suggest moving the Volvo seats to the Ridgeline (or adding replacement Volvo seats).....might cause issues with airbags, though. Can't do easy mods like in the old days. With that being said, perhaps a quality supplier like Recaro has airbag systems to work with modern vehicle systems, or can retrofit oem airbags systems into their custom seats.

If you like everything else about the Ridgeline, it would definitely be worth investigating. Baby, bathwater and all that...